Military Discharges Index 1864-1940

Following the end of the Civil War and World War I, veterans came to the Courthouse to record their military discharge papers for safekeeping. Prior to recording, the soldier appeared before an alderman or justice of the peace to affirm an Oath of Identity verifying they were the same person that completed the military service. Original military discharge papers were given back to the soldier after recording at the Courthouse.

Military Discharges are the recorded copy which provide the name of military regiment, date enrolled, place of birth, age, occupation, and date/conditions of discharge. Records also provide a physical description of the soldier. Military Discharges are public record 75 years after the date in which they were recorded. Contact the Recorder of Deeds www.lancasterdeeds.com for more recent Military Discharges.